TWO more players have made their way through the exit door at Hinckley United and moved on to clubs just down the road.

Danny Newton has joined Nuneaton Town for the escapade in the Blue Square Premier while fellow midfielder Andy Gooding has signed on the dotted line at Solihull Moors where he had a brief loan spell two season ago.

Their departures follow those of Craig Farrell to Blyth Spartans and Sam Belcher and keeper Danny Haystead to Bedworth United and Boston United respectively.

Former Coventry City player Gooding joined the Knitters in 2008 and has been a regular name on the teamsheet ever since. The 24-year-old was even handed the captain’s armband last season but has now been told that he is surplus to requirements at the Greene King Stadium by manager Dean Thomas.

However Gooding bears no bad feelings for the boss and will look back fondly on his time with Hinckley.

He said: “I spoke with Dean Thomas and he told me he is going in a different direction with players this year and that I wasn’t part of his plans, and I respect his decision.

“It’s been a great honour to wear the captain’s armband as I am still young and learning myself. We had a lot of younger players and I suppose I was one of the more experienced players that we had.

“I’ve had a great time at Hinckley - it has been about four seasons on and off now with the stint I had at Corby. The fans and everyone here are brilliant and I will miss them.

“Solihull is the nearest club to where I live so that was a great pull and I did spend some time there a season or two ago and they look after their players really well.”

Newton, another fans’ favourite, scored 13 goals for the Knitters last term and was also named supporters’ player of the year, but is now determined to prove his mettle in the Conference.

The 21-year-old said: “I heard Boro were interested in me last season after I scored against them on Boxing Day but there was nothing concrete at the time.

“I have joined now because they are a bigger club than Hinckley, playing at a higher level and offering a new and bigger challenge.

“I am really very excited by the chance to play for Nuneaton and to prove myself at an even higher level.”

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